Fighting for the homeless

More than a dozen homeless people flanked by numerous representatives of non-profit food sharing programs and religious groups stood Wednesday on the steps of Kansas City, Missouri’s City Hall protesting a proposed city ordinance.

Many of the homeless themselves were not mincing words.

“The city once again is picking on the homeless people,” said one homeless person.

City Ordinance No. 140412 is the heart of the issue. Among other things – a city worker said it would require a food handling card. While handing out food – either 80 percent of the volunteers would need a food handling card – which is free or a manager on site would have a food manager card that costs $50 to obtain.

The ordinance would regulate the food sharing groups by ensuring they have an inspected kitchen and that foods handed out are labeled.